The Cartographers’ Guild is a forum created by and for map makers and aficionados, a place where every aspect of cartography can be admired, examined, learned, and discussed. Our membership consists of professional designers and artists, hobbyists, and amateurs—all are welcome to join and participate in the quest for cartographic skill and knowledge.

Although we specialize in maps of fictional realms, as commonly used in both novels and games (both tabletop and role-playing), many Guild members are also proficient in historical and contemporary maps. Likewise, we specialize in computer-assisted cartography (such as with GIMP, Adobe apps, Campaign Cartographer, Dundjinni, etc.), although many members here also have interest in maps drafted by hand.

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Hi there

I'm Vernon, and I'm fairly new to cartography. I've got a good sketch for my map and I'm quite happy with how it's turning out. The main problem I'm running into is my mountains. I like the angled view, where you see the ridges of the mountain itself, almost an aerial view just not straight down. The problem I'm having is finding a good guide to drawing them. Does anyone have any recommendations or favorites?

Well... I'm doing both actually. I'm using autoREALM for the digital work of the landmasses themselves and hand drawing the symbols. I tried the demo for CC3 and didn't like it. I'm liking AR a lot better. I'm just getting back into drawing, so I'm sure being rusty is part of my problem, but I've never done mountains before. Here's a link for the style I'd like to accomplish for my mountains. Thanks for the info and I'll definitely read up on that link!

Well... I'm doing both actually. I'm using autoREALM for the digital work of the landmasses themselves and hand drawing the symbols. I tried the demo for CC3 and didn't like it. I'm liking AR a lot better. I'm just getting back into drawing, so I'm sure being rusty is part of my problem, but I've never done mountains before. Here's a link for the style I'd like to accomplish for my mountains. Thanks for the info and I'll definitely read up on that link!

V-

no link

Sorry the hear you are having issues with CC3, shame too, cause i think CC3 is da bomb